Speculation continues on social media regarding Rohit Sharma’s return as India’s ODI captain and many even suggested that Virat Kohli could make a U-turn from his Test retirement. But the BCCI and the selectors have already moved on and the former captains have no plans to go back.
BCCI ends speculations: Rohit Sharma will not return to ODI captaincy, clarification on Virat Kohli’s return to Test.
Despite growing online conversations and emotional campaigns, BCCI silenced the ongoing speculations on social media. The BCCI has categorically ruled out any plans for Rohit Sharma to return as ODI captain or Virat Kohli to return to the Test team in 2026, as reported by journalists from the Indian Express and Jagran News.
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The Indian Cricket Board said that they stand by their decision and will not look back, be it Test cricket or ODI format. Sources clarified that the era of recalling old captains is over and the leadership change has already taken place.
Many people are asking whether #RohitSharma ODI captaincy will be given again. As far as I know, BCCI and selectors will not take this decision. They have moved forward.
– Devendra Pandey (@pdevendra) 3 January 2026
Now no old scientist can be found. Stay away from sexual sentiments just for the sake of like-views. Once BCCI moves forward, it does not look backward. Neither in test nor in stock…#IndianCricketTeam
-Abhishek Tripathi/Abhishek Tripathi (@abishereporter) 3 January 2026
Virat Kohli will not return to Test
Despite India’s red-ball cricket struggles, there is no possibility of Kohli making a comeback after his Test retirement. Notably, Kohli retired from Test cricket in May 2025. The Test team has endured a tough phase, including shocking defeats in home series against New Zealand and South Africa.
Sadly, India also lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after more than ten years and also suffered a defeat in the Test series in England. Despite this, he suggested that the BCCI was in no mood to reverse key calls ruling out Kohli’s Test comeback.
Nothing will happen…he is already bad in the test.
-Abhishek Tripathi/Abhishek Tripathi (@abishereporter) 3 January 2026
Rohit Sharma’s role and Shubman Gill’s captaincy
The Board has closed the door to the reinstatement of Rohit Sharma as ODI captain. Shubman Gill is the long-term captain for India’s ODI team.
The BCCI and selectors are now looking at Rohit as a key senior batsman in the ODI setup under Gill’s captaincy, especially with the ICC World Cup 2027 on the radar. Under the current captain the focus has been on stability and building for the future.
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Why is BCCI adamant on its decisions?
– They give priority to grooming the next generation of batsmen.
– Constantly holding back from major decisions creates uncertainty and hinders long-term planning.
– The board is committed to supporting Shubman Gill and the selectors, saying a leadership change is necessary for long-term success.
Irfan Pathan favors long innings for Rohit and Kohli in ODI cricket
Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan wants both Rohit and Kohli to play as much cricket as possible keeping in mind the 2027 ICC World Cup as they are only active in ODI cricket now.
JioStar quoted Pathan as saying, “You definitely want to think about the ICC 2027 ODI World Cup. It’s a long way off now, but I want to see both Rohit and Kohli playing for India for the longest time, and when not playing international cricket, in domestic cricket. They are just playing one format and nothing else, so the more they play, the better.”
